Columbia, S.C. — The legal team representing Alex Murdaugh is pushing for a new trial, citing newly discovered evidence that suggests jury tampering might have influenced his murder conviction. Murdaugh, a once-prominent South Carolina attorney, was found guilty of killing his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, in June 2021 during a trial that concluded in March 2023.
Dick Harpootlian, Murdaugh’s defense attorney and a former state senator, alleges that actions taken by Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill compromised the integrity of the jury. According to Harpootlian, Hill’s attempts to interfere with the jury led to wrongful convictions. “If she had left the jury alone, clearly the worst we would have done was a mistrial,” he stated, emphasizing that at least two jurors would have voted not guilty had they not been influenced by Hill.
Murdaugh was sentenced to two counts of murder and two counts of possession of a weapon in connection with the violent crime. His conviction arose from the tragic events at the family hunting estate, where his wife and son were shot.
Harpootlian has raised concerns about specific jurors who were influenced by Hill. One juror, known informally as the “egg lady,” expressed doubts and was dismissed just days before the verdict due to Hill’s interventions. Additionally, another juror reportedly felt pressured to vote guilty because of Hill’s actions.
The defense has also argued that Hill was motivated by personal gain, claiming she sought to enhance sales for a book she was writing about the high-profile case. “She told several of her coworkers that a guilty verdict would be good for book sales,” Harpootlian remarked, accusing her of trying to sway jurors in favor of a conviction.
Hill now faces serious charges, including misconduct in office, obstruction of justice, and perjury arising from her actions related to the trial. During a recent hearing, a retired chief justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court deemed Hill’s credibility lacking and confirmed evidence that she attempted to affect the jury’s deliberations.
Murdaugh’s defense is actively appealing his conviction, with the South Carolina Supreme Court set to review the state’s brief by Aug. 8. Harpootlian expressed optimism about the outcome, suggesting a substantial chance for a new trial. “We have an appeal based on judicial errors and jury tampering,” he remarked.
If the appeal is unsuccessful, the defense will consider pursuing a federal habeas petition, which could lead to a review based on claims of undisclosed evidence that may have affected the trial’s outcome. Among the new evidence are text messages between Murdaugh and Curtis “Eddie” Smith, who is believed to be Murdaugh’s drug dealer. These messages, dated just days before the murders, could have altered the defense’s strategy had they been disclosed earlier.
Harpootlian characterized Smith as a crucial figure, questioning why he has not faced charges. “Eddie Smith, according to the attorney general, is probably the largest distributor of OxyContin in the state’s history—and he has not been prosecuted,” he noted.
The dynamics surrounding the case continue to unfold, with Harpootlian criticizing South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson for perceived conflicts of interest. He has called for a thorough investigation into Hill’s conduct, emphasizing the importance of accountability.
Should the court grant a new trial, the prosecution’s ability to present financial evidence will be constrained. Harpootlian claims that only forensic evidence will remain, which he believes supports Murdaugh’s innocence.
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